Polk State Radiography graduate featured on cover of industry magazine

Since graduating from Polk State College in 2006 with his Associate in Science in Radiography, Rosevelt Nheik has been an advocate for his profession. This summer, his efforts were recognized as the cover story for ASRT Scanner, the bimonthly newsmagazine published under the American Society of Radiologic Technologists.

Since 2021, Nheik has teamed with Patrick Philips, also a Polk State alumnus, and Jonathan Marx to produce the podcast, “Catheter Jockeys.” All three have backgrounds as radiologic technologists (RTs). The podcast, which Nheik uses to instill pride in the profession, was the subject of the feature story. With more than 115 reviews on Apple Podcasts, Catheter Jockeys has a 4.9-star rating out of a possible 5.

“We try to make it relatable,” Nheik said of his show. “We’re trying to reach people who normally wouldn’t listen to a podcast about radiography. We use humor – dark humor sometimes – to reach a larger audience.”

Nheik’s idea to start a podcast came during the COVID-19 pandemic. Medical professionals were celebrated for their sacrifice, but Nheik noticed that most of the notoriety was going to nurses. The podcast was a way to raise awareness for the rewarding and difference-making opportunities provided in radiography.

“For my whole career, RTs were overlooked,” he explained. “I was always wondering when we were going to be recognized. I had a person tell me that nurses were more important…Every commercial, every ad during COVID was for nursing while we had RTs outside in hospital parking lots sweating like everyone else. You can’t do anything without imaging.”

While a student at then Polk Community College, Nheik learned about radiography from a friend who was in the program. Now employed by Envision Health Systems and working primarily at AdventHealth Tampa as a radiologist’s assistant, Nheik tries to spread awareness for a field that he’s found rewarding. Nheik also serves as a board member for the Society of Radiology Physician Extenders and the Certification Board for Radiology Practitioner Assistants.

“As a radiologist’s assistant right now, I get to be involved in the procedures,” he said. “To help somebody get relief and being able to think critically about different ways to solve problems is what I love.”

Since earning his Associate in Science from Polk State, Nheik has received a bachelor’s degree from Emory University in medical science and a master’s degree in radiologic assistant from the University of North Carolina. He’s currently pursuing a doctorate in business from California Intercontinental University, which he hopes will lead to a leadership position – clinical or otherwise.

“Of all the schools I’ve attended and graduated from, Polk is the one I won’t forget,” Nheik reflected. “I wasn’t the greatest student then. Polk gave me a chance.”

Polk State Radiography Program graduates boast a 100% pass rate on the credentialing exam through the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and a 100% job placement rate. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, radiologic technologists earned a median income of more than $76,000 annually in 2023. Nheik said that Beth Luckett, former Radiography Program Director and current Dean of Health Professions, served as a mentor during his time at Polk State.

“I’ve said it on my podcast that Mrs. Luckett was the one person I remember always promoting the profession and taking such pride in it,” Nheik concluded. “The program had great role models. Hopefully, we can motivate some new young professionals to enter the profession.”